Scottish Football Manager Wants You to “Think Greyhound”

The Manager of the Scottish National Football Team, Craig Levein, has shown his support for the Retired Greyhound Trust, the national charity dedicated to finding loving homes for greyhounds when their racing days are over.

Craig, and his greyhound Ayla, were the guests of honour at last weekend’s dog show and community fun day, organised by the Trust’s Edinburgh Branch. He met with more than 60 members of the public from across Scotland and talked about how greyhounds make great pets.

Craig said, "Greyhounds make fantastic pets once their racing days are over and I am really pleased to support the work of the Retired Greyhound Trust and help raise awareness of their work. The Trust has six branches across Scotland that, thanks to the efforts of many hard working volunteers, find homes for 200 greyhounds each year."

Last year the Trust’s network of 72 branches found more than 4,000 homes for retired greyhounds, making it one of the largest single breed animal charities in the world. To date the Trust has placed dogs in more than 60,000 homes in Britain.

"To anyone thinking of a new pet,” added Craig, “I would urge them to think greyhound!"

Janis Carmichael, who helps co-ordinate the Edinburgh branch, said: “I’m really pleased that the public battled the weather to join us for this fun day out. I would say that at least 60 members of the public came out and donated close to £1,000 for the Trust. Those funds will really help make a difference to the greyhounds that we care for.

“Visitor feedback has been great, even with the rain, and many are planning to come to next year’s show. Of course all of this would not have been possible without the help of all the branch’s dedicated volunteers.”

To find out more about the Retired Greyhound Trust, visit www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk or to contact the Edinburgh branch, call 0131 666 2264.